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It is essential that this scandal is addressed to eliminate the public's sense of confusion and to prevent any damage to Scotland's highly regarded food industry”

End QuoteRichard LochheadEnvironment Minister

Work is now under way to ensure Scottish-based manufacturers of processed meat products have the right measures in place to prevent contamination.

Mr Matheson said the FSA in Scotland had made arrangements for local authorities to carry out a series of food standards inspections, on top of "stringent" controls already in place.

The minister said: "It is the responsibility of the food industry to produce safe food that is accurately labelled and does not mislead consumers.

"Scotland already has a stringent set of regulatory controls in place to underpin food safety and confidence but we are determined not to be seen as in any way complacent.

"That's why we are speaking with the FSA on a daily basis to ensure we are fully engaged with this situation as it evolves."

Mr Lochhead said action was "essential" to prevent any damage to the reputation of Scotland's food industry.

He said: "It is completely unacceptable that consumers are being misled about what is contained in the food that they buy, and that multi-national companies have allowed this to happen.

"I am urging the European Commission and the UK government, who have responsibility in this area, to get to the route of this matter immediately.

"While no food safety risks have been identified by the FSA so far, it is essential that this scandal is addressed to eliminate the public's sense of confusion and to prevent any damage to Scotland's highly regarded food industry, whose success is built on a reputation for quality."

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